What are thread veins?

Thread veins, or spider veins are damaged veins and capillaries just below the skin. The medical term for spider veins is telangiectasia. Spider veins are often found on the face, body and legs. One cause of thread veins is too much exposure to the elements and the sun. Another is pregnancy or oestrogen treatment. The smaller veins have a reddish appearance but larger ones can look purple and unsightly; although unsightly, these veins are harmless and the majority of them can be successfully treated.

Using laser for treating Spider veins

Lasers can be used to treat these capillary veins on the face, body and legs, and would usually require a course of around 3 or 4 treatments. These several treatment requirements depend upon the severity and density of the vessels. Intense Pulsed Light or IPL is directed at the problem area causing the vessel walls of the vein to collapse and be absorbed by the body. Effectively, the thread vein appears to have vanished. Besides, laser vein treatment does not require needles/injections or incisions. Treatment time is about 20 to 30 minutes; again depending on the severity of the veins and the size of the treated area. Laser treatment is so effective that you can have the procedure on your face in your lunch hour and return to work; in addition to combining it with other skin rejuvenation procedures as part of a facial.

The laser procedure requires no anaesthesia or pain medication. However, short term side-effects can include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which disappears in a few days; but normal activities can be resumed immediately after the treatment.

Is laser treatment for me?

The choice of vein treatment depends upon determining the size, severity, and location of the affected veins. Depending on which blood vessels are involved, the veins will vary and there are a range of options for each type. Consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation, so you could decide if laser treatment will be the best for you. Blood blisters or “haemangioma” respond very well to Laser Vein Therapy, usually with just one treatment. Patients with port wine stains and other vascular lesions also benefit with laser vascular treatments. However, you will not be an ideal candidate if you have a tendency to form keloid scars; since lasers directly contact the skin.

What to expect after the procedure?

Successful treatment depends on having an experienced operator, using the right type of laser machine. With successful procedure, the skin looks more smooth and youthful. It is worth noting, however, that Laser vein removal does not prevent new veins from forming. If new veins appear over time, further treatment may be needed to prolong the results of previous treatment.